Toronto Maple Leafs rank No. 27 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2023

The Leafs have traded a lot of their draft capital the past few seasons. Matthew Knies’ development has gone very well into a premier prospect after being a second-round pick, but one player can only carry a system so much. After Knies, there are guys who can project to play but there isn’t a lot of projected impact from this group otherwise.

Key addition: Easton Cowan

Key subtraction: Rasmus Sandin

2022 ranking: No. 20

2023 NHL Draft grade: C

Full 2023-24 NHL Pipeline Rankings

Player Ranking

1. Matthew Knies, LW

10/17/2002 | 6-foot-2 | 210 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 57 in 2021
Tier: Top of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: High-end

Analysis: Knies was one of the top players in his conference and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker, continuing his upwards trajectory as a prospect. Knies is a big, highly skilled winger who plays a heavy game. He’s not going to run over people, but he creates so much offense in the high percentage areas and is a true net-front threat. That he has such great offensive creativity only helps that cause with his direct style of play. Knies isn’t the fastest and his playmaking is just okay, but he looks like a high in the lineup wing who plays a premium role in a lineup.

2. Fraser Minten, C

7/5/2004 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 38 in 2022
Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Minten had a good season playing a big role on a top WHL team. Minten is a well-rounded center. He has good skill and vision. He makes a lot of plays, while also being a shot threat from range. He has some physicality and is solid defensively. His skating is the only real flaw in his game and I wouldn’t call him dynamic overall. He projects as a bottom-six center in the NHL.

3. Topi Niemela, D

3/25/2002 | 5-foot-11 | 156 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 64 in 2020
Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Niemela’s offensive numbers in Liiga took a small step backwards this season, but he still was a good player in that league. He’s a very poised and intelligent puck-mover who can make strong outlets and create inside the offensive zone. He’s not dynamic by any means, but he’s a pass-and-shot threat from the blue line. Niemela is a good skater, but he’s not that big or physical so how well he will defend in the NHL is a question. I think he gets games due to his brain but he’s not a sure thing to have a career.

4. Easton Cowan, RW

5/20/2005 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 28 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Analysis: Cowan is a quick and…